DELAWARE - Delaware, though the second-smallest state in the U.S., possesses a rich history and a unique geography that stretches from the busy suburbs of Wilmington to the tranquil beaches of the Atlantic coast. When looking to pinpoint the state's precise middle, we turn to the science of geographic centers.
DELAWARE - Delaware, though the second-smallest state in the U.S., possesses a rich history and a unique geography that stretches from the busy suburbs of Wilmington to the tranquil beaches of the Atlantic coast. When looking to pinpoint the state's precise middle, we turn to the science of geographic centers.The official Geographic Center of Delaware is determined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is found in the northern portion of the state, situated in Kent County.
The Official Location
The official geographic center of Delaware is located at:
This location places the center roughly two miles south of Dover, the state capital, and approximately six miles southwest of Dover.
Significance of the Location
The geographic center is typically determined by calculating the centroid of the state's shape when it is drawn on a flat surface.
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Proximity to the Capital: The center's proximity to Dover reinforces Kent County's central role in the state's political and administrative life. Dover has been the capital of Delaware since 1777, mainly because of its central location between the state's historically distinct northern (New Castle County) and southern (Sussex County) regions.
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The Dover Divide: The location just south of Dover reflects Delaware's famous geographic and cultural divisions. New Castle County (North) is heavily urbanized and influenced by Philadelphia, while Sussex County (South) is more rural and coastal. Kent County, where the center lies, serves as the historic and geographic bridge between these two worlds.
Is There a Marker?
Unlike the geographic centers of many larger, more centrally located states, Delaware's official center is not marked by a public monument or plaque. The coordinates point to an area of farmland and private property in rural Kent County, making it primarily a point of statistical interest rather than a tourist destination.
While you cannot visit a monument, knowing the geographic center helps you visualize the First State's slender north-south orientation, which shapes its climate, economy, and culture.
